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Orpheus Monument, Ptuj

4.2
Monument · Hidden Gem · Tourist Spot
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The Orpheus Monument is a Roman monument in Ptuj, Slovenia, an almost high and about wide stele, carved of white Pohorje marble. It is located at Slovene Square, the town's central square, in front of the Town Tower. It is the oldest public monument preserved in its original location in Slovenia, the largest discovered monument from the Roman province of the Pannonia Superior, and the symbol of Ptuj.
The monolith was originally a grave marker, erected in the 2nd century AD to honor the memory of Marcus Valerius Verus, the duumvir of Roman Poetovio. In the Middle Ages, it was used as a pillory. Criminals were tied to the iron rings attached to its lower part. Since March 2008, it has the status of a national cultural monument.
The central relief illustrates scenes from the myth of Orpheus, who plays the lyre while mourning his lost love Eurydice. Other reliefs depict the Greek-Egyptian god Serapis, who symbolizes the hope of resurrection. The corners each contain a prone lion gnawing on a ram's head. Beneath this, a relief in the tympanum depicts the Moon goddess Selene, leaning over her dead lover Endymion. All the reliefs and inscriptions are badly eroded.
For travelers who use our custom trip planner, Ptuj holidays become easier to arrange, with trips to the Orpheus Monument and other attractions mapped out and timetabled.
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Orpheus Monument reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.0
46 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • Marble chiseled to a tombstone and an artistic masterpiece. Visitors can walk around for free or even sit down and have refreshment in the shadow of the Town tower. Monument is an ideal spot for a... 
    Marble chiseled to a tombstone and an artistic masterpiece. Visitors can walk around for free or even sit down and have refreshment in the shadow of the Town tower. Monument is an ideal spot for a...  more »
  • An interesting monument to view as part of a tour of the town. Unfortunately you cannot make out what it was all about without someone to explain it - it is basically the remains of a roman... 
    An interesting monument to view as part of a tour of the town. Unfortunately you cannot make out what it was all about without someone to explain it - it is basically the remains of a roman...  more »
  • In the middle of the city you encounter the Roman remains of the city of Petovia. The guide explained the purpose and role of the column. It's a shame that it's no longer in use ;-). 
    In the middle of the city you encounter the Roman remains of the city of Petovia. The guide explained the purpose and role of the column. It's a shame that it's no longer in use ;-).  more »
Google
  • Nice, really old monument in a city centre
  • Amazing
  • Ok.
  • Fantastic place
  • Beautiful place, clean, tidy, there is food and drink near the monument, tables set for rest, friendly people,,,, but everything is extra

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